Yesterday afternoon, Mayor Gahan met with Kimberly Wize and Catherine Lamberg from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as staff from Senator Donnelly’s office, to discuss the current state of public housing in New Albany. After the meeting, the group spent several hours touring public housing properties, so that HUD officials could learn more about their conditions.

“It was a very good meeting with our HUD officials, and I’m pleased that they were able to come tour the properties to learn more about the current condition of our public housing stock and the issues that we are facing,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan.

HUD officials were complimentary on the recent evacuation of Riverview Towers after the electrical systems failed, stating that they appreciated the efforts from both NAHA and city of New Albany staff.

Engineers work to restore power to the property.

The temporary solution to restore power to residents in Riverview Tower.

Mayor Gahan speaks with residents of Riverview Tower.

“We want to thank everyone involved in the evacuation and associated services that were needed by the residents of Riverview Towers,” stated Mayor Gahan.

The Best Western in New Albany and the Radisson in Jeffersonville have provided temporary housing to residents, Mathes Pharmacy has assisted with residents’ medical needs, Hope Southern Indiana has donated food and supplies to residents, and many other groups and organizations have come together to help see the residents through this hardship.

Electrical engineers have found a temporary solution to restore power to all floors. Residents have begun moving back in after the New Albany Building Commissioner, David Brewer, inspected the property. Engineers are still working to install the temporary solution to all floors, and are still searching for a permanent solution.

“We are still working with HUD for a long-term, sustainable solution to the improve our housing stock,” stated Mayor Gahan.